Dispensing device

ABSTRACT

What is being proposed is a dispensing device for a preferably cosmetic liquid and a manufacturing method. A first material is pretreated in areas through the application of a coating or embossing foil such that a second material which is injection-molded directly against it does not bond with the first material in the pretreated area but rather can be detached again.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/486,855, filed Jun. 18, 2009, which claims the benefit of under 35U.S.C. 119 (a) to German Application No. DE 10 2008 029 006.8 filed Jun.20, 2008, each of which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a dispensing device for a preferablycosmetic liquid as well as to a method for the manufacture of such adevice.

In the present invention, the term “dispensing device” is to beparticularly understood as a dispensing head which is preferably mountedor is mountable on a container or its dispensing valve or on ahand-operated pump. In particular, it can also be a pressurizedcontainer, a dispenser pump or the like. The dispensing device ispreferably used for the non-spraying delivery or dispensing of apreferably cosmetic liquid. However, it can also be a dosing pump orhand-operated pump or any other dispensing device such as a container,spray head, dispenser or the like, particularly for a cosmetic liquid

The term “liquid” is also to be understood particularly as suspensionsand fluids, optionally with gas phases. The liquid can be output as apaste, stream or mist or in another manner, for example as a foam orgel.

Preferably, the dispensing device is used for a cosmetic liquid. Theterm “cosmetic liquid” is to be understood, in a narrower sense, ascosmetics, hair spray, hair lacquer, deodorant, shaving foam, colorspray, sun protection or skin care agent—in general, agents for beautycare or the like. Preferably, however, other body or hair care productsare also included in a broader sense.

For example, the liquid can also be a cleaning agent or lubricant orother liquids, for example air fresheners and, in particular, othertechnical liquids and fluids as well such as rust removers or the like.Nonetheless, for the sake of simplicity and due to the emphasized use,the following will often just speak of a cosmetic liquid.

In today's dispensing devices for the dispensing of, particularly,foaming or foamed liquids such as shaving foam, or in dispensing pumps,there is often the problem that the liquids or the products formed fromthem will come out after the actual dispensing is finished, inparticular foaming or dripping out afterwards. This problem isparticularly blatant in shaving foam or the like but also occurs innon-foamed or non-foaming liquids and can lead, in particular, toundesired contaminations of the dispensing devices.

WO 2007/104561 A2 discloses a dispensing device. According to oneembodiment, the dispensing device is designed as a spray head with anoutlet valve to prevent the subsequent escape of liquid or foam. Theoutlet valve has an elastically deformable, flat valve element whichseals a dispensing opening. The valve element can be pretensioned intoits closed position by an additional stop. The valve element ispreferably injection-molded against a base material that is pretreatedin areas and thus joined with the base material in the pretreated area.The pretreatment is performed through plasma treatment and/orirradiation in order to be able to join two materials in the desiredarea which would not be able to be joined to each other otherwise. Inpractice, it has turned out that it is very difficult to create a tightconnection of the valve element with the base material.

The object of the present invention is to provide an improved dispensingdevice and a method for the manufacture thereof, so that optimalcombinations of material and/or a lasting and/or tight joining ofmaterials is or are made possible particularly only in desired areaswith a simple, cost-effective construction.

This object is achieved by means of a dispensing device as set forthherein. Advantageous modifications are the subject of the subclaims.

One aspect of the present invention consists in that, in the dispensingdevice, a first material is pretreated in an area and, subsequently, asecond material is injection-molded directly against the first materialin an area and is thus solidly joined with the first material, with thetwo materials not being joined in the pretreated area and/or preferablybeing detachable from each other exclusively in the pretreated area. Inthis way, a detachment of the two materials from each other in thepretreated area and hence, in particular, the formation of an outletchannel can be made possible in a very simple manner.

The pretreatment is performed particularly through the application of acoating, intermediate layer or film, especially preferably of anembossing foil or heat-seal film which is particularly solidly joinedwith the first material and/or not joined or joinable with the secondmaterial. This allows for very simple, cost-effective and/or speedymanufacture.

The proposed solution allows for optimal pairing of materials. Inparticular, materials can also be used which join solidly with eachother in order to form components which are able to detach partiallyfrom each other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further advantages, features, characteristics and aspects of the presentinvention follow from the claims and the following description ofpreferred embodiments on the basis of the drawing.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic section of a proposed dispensing device with acontainer according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a housing part of the dispensingdevice;

FIG. 3 shows another perspective view of the somewhat modified housingpart of the dispensing device;

FIG. 4 shows a schematic section of the actuation element of thedispensing device;

FIG. 5 shows a schematic section of a housing part of the proposeddispensing device according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 6 shows a schematic section of a component of the dispensing deviceaccording to a third embodiment;

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the component; and

FIG. 8 shows a horizontal section of the component.

In the partially not-to-scale, only schematic figures, the samereference symbols are used for same or similar parts, with correspondingor comparable characteristics and advantages being achieved even if arepeated description has been omitted.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows in schematic section a first embodiment of a proposeddispensing device 1 which is preferably embodied as a dispensing headfor the dispensing of a liquid 2 in the sense named at the outset.

The liquid 2 can be substantially more viscous than water or optionallyeven pasty. In particular, it can form a foam or gel. The liquid 2 canalso contain gas in liquid and/or another form.

Particularly, the dispensing device 1 is designed for the non-sprayingdispensing of the liquid 2. In particular, a delivery of the liquid 2occurs as foam, preferably as shaving foam or the like. For thispurpose, the liquid 2 is particularly designed to be self-foaming and/oris foamed up upon dispensing.

However, in principle, the liquid 2 can also be dispensed in thenon-foamed state and, particularly, can also be non-foaming. Moreover,it is also possible for the liquid 2 to foam up only slightly, so thatthe foaming merely enlarges the volume somewhat, for example, while aliquid or pasty consistency is essentially maintained during dispensing.

In should be noted that, instead of the delivery of the liquid 2 as foamexplained for the sake of example, any other delivery of the liquid2—optionally even as a pasty mass, as gel, as drops, as a stream or as aspray mist—is possible.

The dispensing device 1 is preferably provided with or connected to areservoir, particularly a container 3, for the liquid 2 to be delivered.The reservoir can therefore form a part of the dispensing device 1 orcan be connected thereto.

In the depicted example, the reservoir is embodied as a preferably rigidcontainer 3, particularly as a pressurized container. The container 3for the liquid 2 is particularly oblong and/or cylindrical and/or rigidand is especially preferable embodied as a metallic can.

The liquid 2 in the reservoir can either be placed under pressure or isunder pressure. In particular, the container 3 or the liquid 2 containsa suitable propellant, preferably a volatile and/or combustiblepropellant, compressed gas and/or carbon dioxide.

Especially preferably, the container 3 has a dispensing valve 4 on thefront to which the dispensing device 1 or the dispensing head formed bysame is connected or can be connected.

In the depicted example, the dispensing device 1 preferably has ahousing part 5 which is or can be connected with the reservoir orcontainer 3, and especially preferably can be placed in a clampingand/or locking manner onto it.

Moreover, the dispensing device 1 has a component 6 which is preferablyplaced into the housing part 5 and/or is held or formed thereby, withsaid component 6 forming a conveyor channel 7 and being connectable orconnected to the dispensing valve 4. In the depicted example, thecomponent 6 is provided with a corresponding connecting section 8particularly for a pluggable connection with the dispensing valve or aconnection element 9 of the dispensing valve 4.

In the first embodiment, the housing part 5 and the component 6 arepreferably embodied in a single piece, particularly with the housingpart 5 maintaining the component 6 tiltable or depressible.

In the depicted example, the dispensing device 1 has an outlet valve 10which is particularly associated with the conveyor channel 7 and/or adispensing end 11 of the dispensing device 1.

Especially preferably, the outlet valve 10 has a valve element 12 whichcan be elastically deformed at least in part for the opening and closingof the outlet valve 10.

Especially preferably, no nozzle and no other channel or the like isconnected to the outlet valve 10 or its valve element 12 or to thedispensing end 11. Rather, these preferably open “to the open air.” Inthis way, the liquid 2 can be removed and used by a user (not shown)preferably immediately after exiting the outlet valve 10. In thedepicted example, the valve element 12 covers a dispensing opening 13 ofthe conveyor channel 7 and/or extends to the dispensing end 11 or formssame.

The dispensing opening 13 of the channel preferably ends in the wall 14of the component 6 or conveyor channel 7, which is or can be covered byvalve element 12 at least in the area of the dispensing opening 13.Preferably, the wall 14 is formed by the housing part 5 or component 6.

The outlet valve 10 is preferably embodied such that it opens in amanner dependent on the pressure in place, particularly upon exceeding apredetermined minimum pressure. Especially preferably, this minimumpressure is greater than a foaming pressure of the preferablyself-foaming liquid 2. By contrast, the dispensing pressure (with openeddispensing valve 4) and hence the liquid pressure in place is in turngreater than the minimum pressure, so that the outlet valve 10 alsoopens for the desired dispensing of liquid and production or dispensingof foam.

The component 6 or housing part 5 preferably forms an area or sectionwhich is preferably pliable in the manner of a spring, for exampletiltable and/or tongue-like, so that it can be displaced with theconnecting section 8 toward the dispensing valve 4, hence making itpossible to open the dispensing valve 4.

Furthermore, the dispensing device 1 preferably has an actuation element15 which is embodied in the depicted example as a separate part.However, other constructive solutions are also possible.

The opening of the dispensing valve 4 is preferably performed bydepressing and/or tilting the abovementioned springy and flexible areaor component 6 or the connecting section 8 or the actuation element 15.For example, the actuation element 15 can act for this purpose on thecomponent 6 via an actuation section 16.

In the depicted example, the actuation element 15 is can preferably beswiveled or tilted. FIG. 2 shows, in a perspective view, the housingpart 5 of the dispensing device 1. In another perspectiverepresentation, FIG. 3 shows a variation of the housing part 5. FIG. 4shows, in an enlarged, schematic section, the actuation element 15without other components of the dispensing device 1.

In the depicted example, the actuation element 15 can be swiveled abouta swivel axis 17. For this purpose, the actuation element 15 isprovided, for example, with bearing sections or bearing lugs 18 whichcan be mounted, for example, using retention sections 19 of the housingpart 4 [sic] as indicated in FIG. 3. In the variation according to FIG.2, these retention sections are not provided. Instead, anotherconstructive solution for the tilt mounting of the actuation element 15is then provided (not shown in further detail).

Preferably, the swivel axis 17 lies substantially between the connectionelement 9, the conveyor channel 7 or the dispensing opening 13 on theone hand and the dispensing end 11 (outlet) on the other hand.

By depressing the actuation element 15 (on the right side in FIGS. 1 and4), the component 6 is displaced accordingly with the connecting section8 downwards or toward the dispensing valve 4 in order to open samethrough actuation of the connection element 9 or in some otherappropriate manner.

With opened dispensing valve 4, the liquid 2 preferably under pressurein the reservoir or container 3 can then flow via a riser tube 20(FIG. 1) and the opened dispensing valve 4 into the conveyor channel 7.In particular, an at least initial foaming of a foaming of the liquid 2then occurs in the conveyor channel 7. As needed, a foaming device (notshown) can also be provided (in addition or alternatively). For example,the liquid 2 or the foam can be fed through a screen (not shown) and/orbe foamed (in addition or alternatively) through the feeding of gas.

As a result of the liquid pressure or dispensing pressure present in theconveyor channel 7 when the dispensing valve 4 is open, the outlet valve10 preferably opens automatically.

Given appropriate liquid pressure, the outlet valve 10 opens as a resultof the valve element 12 lifting off at least in part from the component6 or the wall 14.

Especially preferably, the valve element 12 is solidly and/or tightlyjoined with the surface of the component 6 or the wall 14—particularlyin an edge area and/or U-shaped area—at least or only in a connectionarea 21 (FIG. 2).

In the first embodiment, the dispensing opening 13 or the conveyorchannel 7 ends in a trough-like or groove-like or concave surface of thewall 14. Particularly, the dispensing opening 13 opens in the area ofthe end opposing the dispensing end 11 of an oblong recess formed by thecomponent 6 or the wall 14 which is enclosed particularly by apreferably U-shaped, particularly raised edge 22 and/or the connectionarea 21. The edge 22 extends with its two preferably parallel legs inthe dispensing direction, which is to say toward the dispensing end 11.

The valve element 12 is preferably solidly and tightly held and/orjoined with the component 6 at least in the area of the edge 22, asindicated schematically by the connection area 21 in FIG. 2.

In the area from the dispensing opening 13 to the dispensing end 11, thevalve element 12 is not joined with the wall 14 but rather is able tolift off given the presence of appropriate liquid pressure particularlythrough elastic deformation, particularly arching upwards, and to formor release a channel-like connection (virtual outlet channel) in thearea therebetween, here between the conveyor channel 7 or the dispensingopening 13 thereof and the dispensing end 11 or another outlet. As aresult, the outlet valve 10 or this part opens.

The liquid 2 can escape to the outside or into the open through theopened outlet valve 10 and, especially preferably, foam up or continueto foam up or form a gel or another product or be dispensed in liquid,pasty or another form.

The dispensing valve 4 closes again preferably automatically uponrelease of the actuation element 15. In the depicted example, the returnof the component 6 or of the connecting section 8 preferably occursexclusively through spring forces of the elastic section.

In addition or alternatively, however, a return or closing spring oranother constructive solution that is not shown can also be used.

As needed, the dispensing valve 4 can also be, for example, a dosingvalve or another valve arrangement.

The dispensing of liquid or production of foam ends when the liquidpressure or dispensing pressure present in the conveyor channel 7 againfalls below the minimum pressure, so that the outlet valve 10 closesagain—particularly through the elastic return to position of the valveelement 12. This is the case when the dispensing valve 4 closesagain—particularly through the release or automatic return to positionof the dispensing head or actuation element 15—and the pressure in theconveyor channel 7 drops below the minimum pressure. The closed orclosing outlet valve 10 then prevents the liquid 2 or foam or the likestill present in the channel 7 from subsequently coming out or foamingout in an undesired manner.

Preferably, a more or less “virtual” outlet channel is formed betweentwo components lying flat upon each other, here namely the component 6and the valve element 12, which opens only given the appropriate liquidpressure and closes again automatically and, particularly, performs avalve function and/or is able to very effectively prevent the undesiredsubsequent flowing or subsequent flowing.

A special advantage of the outlet valve 10 consists in that, in additionto preventing a subsequent escape of the liquid 2, particularly asubsequent foaming, very easy cleaning is also made possible for theuser, since the outlet valve 10 preferably forms a clean andeasy-to-clean dispensing end 11.

In the depicted example, the dispensing of the liquid preferably occurssubstantially crossways, particularly perpendicularly, to the directionof depression or opening of the dispensing valve 4 and/or at leastsubstantially horizontal or crossways to the longitudinal direction ofthe container 3.

Preferably, the valve element 12 extends to the dispensing end 11 and/orforms same, particularly together with the component 6 or the wall 14.

Moreover, it bears mentioning that, preferably, no other device shapingthe liquid output such as a nozzle, a channel or the like is connectedto the dispensing end 11. However, this does not rule out the provisionof, for example, a bowl-like extension, a recess in the housing or thelike into which the dispensing end 11 empties.

According to another aspect, the outlet valve 10 or the valve element 12thereof is (additionally) pressed or pretensioned into the closedposition with non-actuated dispensing device 1 or closed dispensingvalve 4 through a stop 23—here particularly against the wall 14 and/orin the area of the dispensing end 11. In the depicted example, the stop23 is preferably bridge- or rib-like and/or arranged on the actuationelement 15, particularly formed thereon.

In the closed state shown, the actuation element 15 is located in thenon-tilted or upper position (initial position), so that the stop 23presses directly on the valve element 12, thus holding the outlet valve10 (additionally) closed as shown in FIG. 1.

The actuation element 15 can preferably be swiveled or tilted about theswivel axis 17 preferably running horizontally or, in the representationaccording to FIGS. 1 and 4, perpendicular to the drawing plane. Theswivel axis 17 preferably lies between and/or approximately on the planebetween the stop 23 on the one hand and the actuation section 16 actingon the component 6 on the other hand. Accordingly, upon actuation ordepression of the actuation element 15 from the position shown in FIG.1, the actuation section 16 is moved downwards and the stop 23 is movedupwards or in the opposite direction. Accordingly, the outlet valve 10can open unimpeded even if the component 6 or the outlet valve 10 is notmoved or is moved only relatively slightly downwards or away from thestop 23 when the dispensing device 1 is actuated.

Especially preferably, the stop 23 or the actuation element 15 ispretensioned into its initial position or the closure position closingthe outlet valve 10. In the depicted example, a spring section 24 isprovided for this purpose which is particularly formed on the component6 in a single piece or formed by same. However, other constructivesolutions are also possible.

The restorative force exerted by the spring section 24 or another deviceon the actuation element 15 is preferably less than the force requiredfor the depression of the component 6 or connecting section 8 andparticularly the force required for the opening of the dispensing valve4. In this manner, it can be achieved that the stop 23 is first movedaway from the valve element 12 or that the force it exerts on the valveelement 12 is reduced before the dispensing valve 4 opens.

In the depicted example, the actuation element 15 is preferably embodiedas a separate piece which is particularly placed, stuck, clamped orsnapped on, particularly pivotably mounted or held on the retainingsections 19 (FIG. 3).

Preferably, the actuation element 15 with its bearing sections orbearing lugs 18 is mounted or supported on both sides of the outletvalve 10 or valve element 12 and/or can be or is snapped onto theretaining sections 19.

However, other constructive solutions are also possible. In particular,the actuation element 15 can also be mounted in another manner,elastically deformable and/or formed onto the housing part 5 orcomponent 6.

In the following, further embodiments of the proposed dispensing device1 are explained on the basis of the other figures, with the followingdescription being limited to substantial differences or new aspects. Theforegoing remarks and explanations apply particularly correspondingly orby augmentation.

FIG. 5 shows, in a schematic section, a second embodiment of theproposed dispensing device 1, with the associated container 3 with thedispensing valve 4 not being shown for the sake of simplicity.

In the second embodiment, the component 6 is not embodied in a singlepiece with the housing part 5, but rather as a separate component.

The component 6 is preferably joined in a non-detachable, locking and/orclamping manner with the housing part 5, here particularly a tongue- orplate-like section of the housing part 5 which can preferably bedepressed or swiveled in order to be able to actuate or open theassociated dispensing valve 4 (not shown in FIG. 5). To join thecomponent 6 with the housing part 5, connection means 25 are preferablyprovided in the depicted example which can be arranged, applied orformed on the housing part 5 and/or component 6 and connected with therespective other part. However, other constructive solutions are alsopossible.

FIGS. 6 to 8 show a third embodiment of the proposed dispensing device1, but only the component 6 with the outlet valve 10 for the sake ofsimplicity. FIG. 6 shows a schematic vertical section. FIG. 7 shows aperspective view. FIG. 8 shows a schematic horizontal section.

In the third embodiment, the wall 14 and/or the valve element 12 is/areat least substantially flat at least in the area lying flat against eachother or valve area. However, other constructive shapes or arrangementsare also possible, for example a design that is convex at least in areasor an annular or cylindrical design of the valve element 12 and acomplementary design of the wall 14 or vice-versa.

In the third embodiment, the valve element 12 is optionally providedwith an edge reinforcement 26. The edge reinforcement 26 can run, forexample, along the edge 22 of the wall 14 and/or substantially above oralong the connection area 21.

Preferably, the valve element 12 is as uniformly thick as possible, andpreferably relatively thin, in the area of the dispensing end 11 inorder to make it possible for the preferably bridge-like stop 23 to seatuniformly in the closed position. If the edge reinforcement 26 isprovided, then it preferably has a relief or recess 27 in the area ofthe dispensing end 11 as indicated in FIGS. 6 and 7. However, otherconstructive solutions are also possible.

It should be noted that the stop 23 preferably extends over the entirewidth of the valve element 12 or of the dispensing end 11. However,other constructive solutions are also possible.

Especially preferably, the wall 14, the valve element 12 and the stop 23end at least substantially on the same plane or surface when the outletvalve 10 is closed. This is conducive to a clean and/or well-sealingclosure or outlet.

The following embodiments relate particularly to all of the embodimentsand variations shown as well as to the invention in general.

The housing part 5 and/or component 6 is or are preferablyinjection-molded or manufactured from plastic.

The component 6 is manufactured from a first material, particularly arelatively rigid plastic material. A polyolefin, particularly PP(polypropylene) or PE (polyethylene), is preferably used.

The valve element 12, which is also generally referred to in the presentinvention as the second component, is manufactured from a secondmaterial and/or injection. In particular, the second material is anelastomer and/or a thermoplast. Preferably, TPE (thermoplasticelastomer) or TPV or the like is used. Particularly, this is a flexiblematerial. The second material is particularly flexible or softer thanthe first material. This is particularly desirable in the embodimentsshown, since the valve element 12 formed from it should have a certainelastic deformability and/or flexibility in contrast to the wall 14formed by the component 6.

Accordingly, the first material and the second material are preferablydifferent, i.e. they differ from each other particularly with respect totheir composition and/or characteristics. However, other constructionsare also possible in principle in which the same or identical materialcan be used for the first material and the second material.

Preferably, a coupling of materials is selected for the first materialand the second material which is such that the two materials canpreferably be joined solidly together through injection-molding.Especially preferably, such a solid joining of the two materials can beachieved without pretreatment, coupling agent, processing or the like.

Especially preferably, the injection-molding is performed by means ofso-called “bi-injection,” in which one material (the first material) isfirst injected into an injection mold and then the other material (thesecond material) is injected particularly in the same mold against thepreviously injected material. However, it is also possible in principlefor the two materials to be injected basically almost simultaneouslyinto the same mold.

Through the injection of the two materials against each other, thedesired solid connection in the connection area 21 is achieved.Preferably, no other measures are required for the joining of the twomaterials or components (here the component 6 and the valve element 12)in the desired connection area 21 in order to achieve the desiredstrength, chemical bond, chemical resistance and/or tightness. However,supplementary or alternatively other measures can also be used inprinciple, such as pressing, clamping, welding or the like.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the first material(here the wall 14 of the component 6) is pretreated in an area 28 whichis depicted schematically in FIG. 8 in order to prevent the twomaterials and hence the two components from joining together. In theembodiments described, it is therefore achieved that the valve element12 forming the second component does not join with the first component 6in the pretreated area 28 or is able to detach from the first component6 exclusively or at least in the pretreated area 28. In this manner, itis possible according to the proposal for the second component (valveelement 12), which is injection-molded directly against the firstcomponent 6 (or glued, alternatively) and thus solidly joined therewith,does not bond therewith in the pretreated area 27 and/or can be detachedagain from it preferably exclusively in the pretreated area 28.

The proposed pretreatment can also be understood as a kind ofpassivation or introduction of an interlayer which prevents a joining ofthe first and second material or of the two components 6, 12 in thepretreated area 28.

Preferably, the first material or component 6 is pretreated through theapplication of a coating, intermediate layer or film 29 as indicated inthe schematic section according to FIG. 6 and in the top view accordingto FIG. 8. In particular, an embossing foil or heat-seal film is usedwhich covers the first material or component 6 in the desired area 28and/or is joined with the first material or component 6 at least inareas particularly through pressure and/or heat.

Depending on the procedure, the joining with the film 29 or anothercovering with the first material or component 6 can be achieved and/orpromoted directly in the injection mold and/or due to the residual heatpresent after injection and/or through additional and targeted thermalaction (e.g. infrared radiation) and/or pressure.

Alternatively, however, it is also possible in principle to adhere thecovering or film 29 only lightly in the area 28 to be pretreated or evento leave it lying loosely thereupon.

As needed, the covering or film 29 can also be positioned by means ofretaining bridges (not shown) or the like in the desired manner on thewall 14 or the first material or component 6 and optionally also held orfixed during injection of the second material or component (valveelement 12).

Especially preferably, the coating, intermediate layer or film 29 iscomposed of an additional material and/or of different materials inorder to achieve a joining with the first material or component 6 and/orto prevent a joining with the second material or component (valveelement 12).

As needed, the coating or intermediate layer can also be applied throughpressing, adhesion or in another manner.

If the coating in the pretreatment area 28 consists of or is formed frompaint or another liquid, it can be applied in any manner in the area 28to be pretreated in terms of the present invention.

Subsequently, the second material or component (valve element 12) ispreferably injection-molded directly against the first material orcomponent 6 and thus joined therewith. In principle, another connectionis may be considered, for example through adhesion, welding or the like.Preferably, the pretreated area 28 is completely covered or enclosed bythe second material, with the exception of an inlet and/or outlet, ifprovided. The covering or film 29 is opened in the area of thedispensing opening 13 preferably mechanically, during manufacture and/orby the liquid 2 upon the first dispensing. As a result of the proposedpretreatment in the area 28, it is achieved that precisely no connectionor (solid) adhesion occurs of the second material or component (valveelement 12) on the first material or component 6 or on the coating,intermediate layer or film 29. Rather, the second material or component(valve element 12) is able to lift off or detach, preferably exclusivelyor at least in the pretreated area 28.

In the depicted example, the pretreatment area 28 is preferablystrip-like and extends from the dispensing opening 13 to the dispensingend 11. However, other constructive solutions are also possible.

Especially preferably, a blank is first injection-molded from the firstmaterial. Subsequently, a film 29 is embossed—particularly using aheat-embossing technique—in the desired pretreatment area 28 which is tolater undergo no connection with a soft component. Then, the softcomponent is injection-molded onto the first component or hardcomponent, particularly such that the coating, intermediate layer orfilm 29 is also cast at least substantially completely. Instead of thepreferred heat-embossing technique, an imprinting or inlaying of asuitable intermediate element such as an intermediate layer or film 29can also be performed for the desired pretreatment in the area 28.

In particular, in is also possible and provided for that the secondmaterial be injection-molded or applied in another manner over its fullsurface against the first material or the surface or wall 14 formed bysame. Due to the pretreatment being only in areas, adhesion or aconnection then preferably only occurs outside the pretreated area 28.The second component or valve element 12 is thus able to detach again,for example lift off or the like, from the first material in thepretreated area 28, particularly in order to form a channel for theliquid 2 or a product formed from same such as a foam, or a valve, anoutlet channel or the like. In this way, very simple manufacture and theestablishment of desired connection areas 21 are made possible.

It should be noted as a matter of principle that, in the presentinvention, the term “solid” connection is to be understood preferably interms of a chemical and/or tight connection.

It should be noted that the proposed manufacture described above canalso be used in other components of a dispensing device 1, which is tosay, in particular, not only in valve components or the like.

In all embodiments and according to a preferred aspect, the valveelement 12 is preferably seated uniformly and over its entire surface onthe component 6 or the wall 14 thereof—particularly along the “virtual”dispensing channel as well—starting from the dispensing opening 13toward the dispensing end 11.

Only upon dispensing of liquid is the valve element 12 lifted offelastically along this virtual outlet channel from the component 6 orthe wall 14 (this is possible since the second material 16 does not joinsolidly with first material 15 of the component 6 as a result of theaforementioned pretreatment) and, as a result, the outlet channel isreleased or opened.

After the dispensing of liquid is concluded, the outlet valve 10 orvalve element 12 preferably closes again automatically as a result ofthe elastic restorative forces.

Especially preferably, the stop 23 on the one hand and the conveyorchannel 7 or the dispensing opening 13 thereof on the other hand arespaced apart from each other and, particularly, arranged at opposing endareas of the “virtual outlet channel” formed by the valve element 12when the outlet valve 10 is open.

In particular, the stop 23 is used to close the outlet valve 10 in anarea of the valve element 12 which is spaced apart from the dispensingopening 13 such that the valve element 12 is able to close independentlyof the stop 23, particularly as a result of appropriate elasticrestorative forces. This results, particularly, in a kind of doublevalve or an especially good sealing or closing effect.

In all embodiments, the stop 23 acts also or substantially as a closingor return element associated with the outlet valve 10 or valve element12. Accordingly, the term “stop” is to be understood generally in thissense as well.

The various embodiments and individual features and constructivesolutions of the embodiments can also be combined with each other asdesired but can also be used independently of each other or of theproposed pretreatment and/or in other dispensing devices.

LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

-   1 Dispensing device-   2 Liquid-   3 Container-   4 Dispensing valve-   5 Housing part-   6 Component-   7 Conveying channel-   8 Connecting section-   9 Connection element-   10 Outlet valve-   11 Dispensing end-   12 Valve element-   13 Dispensing opening-   14 Wall-   15 Actuation element-   16 Actuation section-   17 Swivel axis-   18 Bearing lug-   19 Retention section-   20 Riser tube-   21 Connection area-   22 Edge-   23 Stop-   24 Spring section-   25 Connection means-   26 Edge reinforcement-   27 Recess-   28 Area of pretreatment-   29 Film

1.-20. (canceled)
 21. A dispensing device for a liquid, wherein a firstcomponent comprises a pretreated area, wherein the area is pretreatedthrough the application of a coating, an intermediate layer or a film,wherein a second component covers the coating, the intermediate layer orthe film and is injection-molded or adhered directly against the firstcomponent and is solidly joined therewith, and wherein the twocomponents are not joined in the pretreated area but are detachable inthe pretreated area.
 22. The dispensing device as set forth in claim 21,wherein the second component is a valve element.
 23. The dispensingdevice as set forth in claim 21, wherein the coating, the intermediatelayer or the film is solidly joined with the first component.
 24. Thedispensing device as set forth in claim 21, wherein the coating,intermediate layer or the film is not joined with the second component.25. The dispensing device as set forth in claim 21, wherein the twocomponents are solidly joined with each other in a U-shaped area. 26.The dispensing device as set forth in claim 21, wherein the firstcomponent forms a surface or wall on which the second component seatsflatly or with which the second component is joined in areas.
 27. Thedispensing device as set forth in claim 26, wherein the liquid or aproduct formed from same can be output between the two flatly seatingcomponents through corresponding elastic deformation of at least onecomponent.
 28. The dispensing device as set forth in claim 21, whereinan outlet channel for the liquid is formed or opened between the twocomponents upon elastic deformation of at least one component.
 29. Thedispensing device as set forth in claim 21, wherein the components forman outlet valve.
 30. The dispensing device as set forth in claim 21,wherein the components comprise different materials which can be joinedtogether solidly, chemically or tightly through injection-molding. 31.The dispensing device as set forth in claim 21, wherein the dispensingdevice has or forms a dispensing head for the liquid or product formedtherefrom from a container that is or can be pressurized.
 32. Thedispensing device as set forth in claim 21, wherein the liquid is acosmetic liquid.
 33. The dispensing device as set forth in claim 21,wherein the two components are detachable from each other exclusively inthe pretreated area.
 34. The dispensing device as set forth in claim 28,wherein the outlet channel for the liquid is formed or opened only inthe pretreated area.
 35. The dispensing device as set forth in claim 21,wherein the liquid is or forms a foam or gel.
 36. The dispensing deviceas set forth in claim 31, wherein the container has a dispensing valvewith which the dispensing head is connected.
 37. A dispensing device fora liquid, wherein a first component comprises a pretreated area andadjacent a non-pretreated area, wherein a second component covers thepretreated and non-pretreated area and is injection-molded or adhereddirectly against the first component and just joined therewith in thenon-pretreated area with the two components not being joined in thepretreated area but rather being detachable in the pretreated area. 38.The dispensing device as set forth in claim 37, wherein the coating,intermediate layer or film is solidly joined with the first component.39. The dispensing device as set forth in claim 37, wherein the coating,intermediate layer or film is not joined with the second component. 40.The dispensing device as set forth in claim 37, wherein the twocomponents are solidly joined with each other in a U-shaped area. 41.The dispensing device as set forth in claim 37, wherein the firstcomponent forms a surface or wall on which the second component seatsflatly or with which the second component is joined in areas.
 42. Thedispensing device as set forth in claim 41, wherein the liquid or aproduct formed from same can be output between the two flatly seatingcomponents through corresponding elastic deformation of at least onecomponent.
 43. The dispensing device as set forth in claim 37, whereinan outlet channel for the liquid is formed or opened between the twocomponents upon elastic deformation of at least one component.
 44. Thedispensing device as set forth in claim 37, wherein the components forman outlet valve.
 45. The dispensing device as set forth in claim 37,wherein the components consist of different materials which can bejoined together solidly, chemically or tightly throughinjection-molding.
 46. The dispensing device as set forth in claim 37,wherein the dispensing device has or forms a dispensing head for theliquid or product formed therefrom from a container that is or can bepressurized.
 47. The dispensing device as set forth in claim 37, whereinthe liquid is a cosmetic liquid.
 48. The dispensing device as set forthin claim 37, wherein the two components are detachable from each otherexclusively in the pretreated area.
 49. The dispensing device as setforth in claim 43, wherein the outlet channel for the liquid is formedor opened only in the pretreated area.
 50. The dispensing device as setforth in claim 37, wherein the liquid is or forms a foam or gel.
 51. Thedispensing device as set forth in claim 46, wherein the container has adispensing valve with which the dispensing head is connected.
 52. Thedispensing device as set forth in claim 21, wherein the second componentis a valve element which covers the coating, the intermediate layer orfilm.
 53. The dispensing device as set forth in claim 21, wherein a flatside surface of the coating, the intermediate layer or the film issolidly joined with the first component.
 54. The dispensing device asset forth in claim 21, wherein the first component is not embodied in asingle piece with a housing part, but rather as a separate component.55. The dispensing device as set forth in claim 21, wherein the firstcomponent is joined in a non-detachable, locking and/or clamping mannerwith a housing part.
 56. The dispensing device as set forth in claim 21,wherein to join the first component with a housing part, connectionmeans are provided, which can be arranged, applied or formed on thehousing part and/or first component and connected with the respectiveother part.
 57. A dispensing device for a liquid, wherein a firstcomponent comprises a pretreated area adjacent a non-pretreated area,wherein a second component covers the pretreated and non-pretreatedareas and is injection-molded or adhered directly against the firstcomponent and joined therewith only in the non-pretreated area with thetwo components not being joined in the pretreated but detachable in thepretreated area.
 58. The dispensing device as set forth in claim 57,wherein pretreated area is pretreated with a coating, an intermediatelayer or a film, and is solidly joined with the first component.
 59. Thedispensing device as set forth in claim 58, wherein the coating,intermediate layer or film is not joined with the second component. 60.The dispensing device as set forth in claim 57, wherein the twocomponents are solidly joined with each other in a U-shaped area. 61.The dispensing device as set forth in claim 57, wherein the firstcomponent forms a surface or wall on which the second component seatsflatly or with which the second component is joined in areas.
 62. Thedispensing device as set forth in claim 61, wherein the liquid or aproduct formed from same can be output between the two flatly seatingcomponents through corresponding elastic deformation of at least onecomponent.
 63. The dispensing device as set forth in claim 57, whereinan outlet channel for the liquid is formed or opened between the twocomponents upon elastic deformation of at least one component.
 64. Thedispensing device as set forth in claim 57, wherein the components forman outlet valve.
 65. The dispensing device as set forth in claim 57,wherein the components comprise different materials which can be joinedtogether solidly, chemically or tightly through injection-molding. 66.The dispensing device as set forth in claim 57, wherein the dispensingdevice has or forms a dispensing head for the liquid or product formedtherefrom from a container that is or can be pressurized.
 67. Thedispensing device as set forth in claim 57, wherein the liquid is acosmetic liquid.
 68. The dispensing device as set forth in claim 57,wherein the two components are detachable from each other exclusively inthe pretreated area.
 69. The dispensing device as set forth in claim 63,wherein the outlet channel for the liquid is formed or opened only inthe pretreated area.
 70. The dispensing device as set forth in claim 57,wherein the liquid is or forms a foam or gel.
 71. The dispensing deviceas set forth in claim 66, wherein the container has a dispensing valvewith which the dispensing head is connected.
 72. The dispensing deviceas set forth in claim 57, wherein the second component is a valveelement.